ANTON JUDE’S SILENT DEATH

Nobody knew that Anton Jude had died of a heart attack. He had silently passed away while seated on a chair
- RODNEY WRNAKULA

Anton Jude had passed away without anyone’s knowledge, the day before yesterday night, after completing the shooting of the film ‘Veeraya’ at the Directors residence in kelaniya.
It is reliably reported that he had been ailing for some time with high blood pressure and diabetes. He had been a complete teetotaller. This was disclosed by his friend Rodeny Warnakula who had been his close associates for almost 2 decades.
“After shooting was over we were all having a chat, when suddenly we saw him bent on the chair he was seated. When we observed this scene we spoke to him for which he never gave any response. Although we thought he had passed away his body temperature was not cold. Then he was taken to the Ragama Teaching Hospital, where artificial respiration was given. However the doctors pronounced that he was dead on admission to the hospital”.
The story of his sudden death as published in the ‘Rivira’ paper is as follows:
A person who lived to act had gone for shooting of the film ‘Veeraya’ in the kelaniya area. The film was directed by one Sunil Arunasiri and shooting was at his residence. The following day, the 20th he had to go to kandy for another assignment. Rodney Warnakula, Jagath Chamika,Kumar Thirimadura ,Lucky Dias were seated in the garden having a dialogue with jokes etc. Anton Jude was also among them. Suddenly he had said that he is feeling uneasy and had bent his body to one side of his chair. This was told by Rodney Warnakula.
After he said he was feeling uneasy he bent his body on to one side of the chair and then lent his hands on the table in front. The time then was around 11.20 p.m. They had no alternative but to take him to the Ragama Teaching Hospital. The doctors in the hospital had said that he had already passed away. All actors who were present there at that time were astonished in hearing this news. Immediately the close relatives, his wife in particular were informed. His wife Manel Wijesekera had said, she cannot believe as it was only a few hours ago that Anton Jude had spoken to her over the phone.

“I cannot believe his death as he spoke to me around 8 p.m. She said at all times when he is not at home she used stay at her home in Pamankade.  At that time Jude had told her that he will come to take her home. This news is unbelievable as he promised to come and take me home.”
As she spoke tears were falling from eyes as she said that all his future hopes have now been shattered. Anton Jude probably may have had ideas to develop his innate talents further with new creations. Obviously it is the hope of any popular actor to do more new creations to enhance his already built up reputation.
He had been treated at the Nawaloka hospital last February. An Engiogram test was done and he had been advised to take as much rest as possible by the doctors. He could not adhere to doctors advice as he was a sought after actor who had to continue work in his profession to meet with the demand he had. Because of not adhering to the advice of doctors Sri Lanka lost an actor who was so capable and talented, this was said by his elder sister.
He had three sisters younger to him and one elder brother. They all were a very united and happy family. His younger sister Milan Gomes said this by trying hard not to shed tears.”We initially lived in a house at Terrance Avenue close to Dehiwala. We lived in unison and together which cannot be described in words. When I think of the past I cannot stop crying.
I cannot bear when he falls sick or if anybody blames him. He loved all of us. He even would sacrifice his plate of rice. Initially our brother worked at Hently garments in Ratmalana. He had met his wife Manel at Hently garments where she too had worked. He used to bring and give his entire monthly pay packet to Mother. For his expenses he asks her some amount from it. She went on to say that her golden brother was very attached to the family. Even after their marriage the attachment remained to be the same.” She could not resist her emotions and could not speak anything else.
“On the 11th of March 2011 , he organised his stage play “Saki Sanda Madala” at the S. de S. Jayasinghe Hall at Dehiwala. His intention was to hold his play staged for the 50th time in his own area. Although his wish was fulfilled the lantern of ‘Anton Jude” had stopped burning forever her sister said weeping”.
Anton Jude, Priyantha Seneviratna and Rodney Warnakula had subsequently visited Italy for a series of events. Recitals, drama’s etc. the quartet included, Giriraj Kaushalya. His 50th birthday coincided with a musical show in Italy. His fans made a great tribute to him by celebrating with birthday cakes at the venue and his fans had celebrated his 50th birthday in 4 other cities. This was disclosed by his colleague Giriraj Kaushalya who could not speak further due to the shock. The feel of his death is really to those who were near and dear to him.
From the 1970’s for more than two decades he had thrilled his fans here and abroad through his acting and singing talents which were very well appreciated by a large cross section of fans. On the coming Thursday the 22nd his funeral will take place at Kanatta. His remains is to be taken to the ‘national arts centre’ ( kalabawana) tomorrow morning for his fans to pay last respects. No doubt he would leave his fans and associates in tears and in wilderness through his untimely demise. The fans would never ever forget the roles he had portrayed which no doubt have been etched strongly in their minds and memories.
Photographs: Shrimal kankanamge and Deepa Vasantha Edirisinghe